The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) in association with GLAAD, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the Gay and Lesbian Taskforce and Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) announce the release of two community action toolkits that provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities, survivors of intimate partner violence, and advocates working on their behalf, resources to address intimate partner violence on the individual and community level. The toolkits are focused specifically on intimate partner violence in transgender and people of color communities and highlight the adverse impact of intimate partner violence on transgender individuals and LGBTQ people of color.

NCAVP’s annual report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2012, released on October 1st, 2013, documents the disproportional impact of intimate partner violence on transgender people and people of color. In 2012 a majority (52.4%) of the victims of intimate partner violence homicides were people of color and people of color were more likely to suffer injuries, require medical attention, experience harassment, or face anti-LGBTQ bias as a result of intimate partner violence. In addition, transgender survivors were more likely to face threats and intimidation, harassment, and police violence as a result of intimate partner violence. Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lesbians, gay men and bisexual people experience intimate partner violence at the same or higher rates as non-LGB people.

“Many transgender people have been re-victimized when seeking relief or help from intimate partner violence, and many others have been too afraid to reach out for help at all,” said Harper Jean Tobin, Director of Policy for the National Center for Transgender Equality. “Fortunately, that is beginning to change, and we believe NCAVP’s important new tools will support that change.”

These toolkits provide communities with a better understanding of LGBTQ intimate partner violence, and tools to raise awareness about IPV in their communities. The toolkits also include resources that help survivors plan for their safety in an abusive relationship and when interacting with law enforcement.

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an antiviolence program in your area, please contact them at info@ncavp.org or visit NCAVP online.